The Editor Zambia
The continued, well-rehearsed attacks on the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) will not help the opposition win the August 13 general elections.
The commission does not influence the outcome of an election. 
The role of the ECZ is to merely conduct free and fair election for the benefit of all participating candidates.
The opposition’s continued attacks on the ECZ, is a losing strategy. The opposition should instead focus on advancing their alternative policies to those of the ruling party.
Analysts suggest that the opposition is “painting the ECZ black” to set the stage for excuses ahead of their anticipated loss.
It appears the opposition have realised that they do not stand a chance against President Hichilema.
They do not offer any intense competition at the massively popular UPND candidate, unlike in 2021 when incumbent Edgar Chagwa Lungu faced formidable challenger.
The well-coordinated attacks targeted at some commissioners are not only worrying but have the potential to affect the credibility and integrity of the election’s outcome in the eyes of the international community.
The opposition Tonse Alliance and other opposition political parties should instead focus on voter mobilisation to win the elections.
Elections are not won through hallucinations but through clear alternative policies.
The opposition should instead help the Commission in safeguarding the integrity and independence of elections, particularly ahead of the August 13, 2026, general elections, by proposing credible suggestions instead of making unwarranted attacks.
The ECZ has released the electoral roadmap. In addition, the Commission has constantly held stakeholder engagements to update the nation on the progress made in the electoral process.
Democratic systems cannot satisfy every participant, and current demands should focus on maintaining integrity, free and fair outcomes, and ensuring that the ECZ operates independently.
This means political parties, candidates, and supporters should respect the law and cooperate with election officials to maintain peace before, during, and after polling day.
Claims by Citizens First that the government’s decision to present the 2026 Electoral Process (Amendment) Bill to the National Assembly will undermine the integrity of Zambia’s electoral system do not hold water as stakeholders were consulted and provided input in the Act.
Citizens First leader Harry Kalaba should not mislead the public by making unfounded claims as his party was party of the political parties that attended the consultative meetings.
Kalaba has focused more on criticising the government than being on the ground to present his alternative policies.
Currently, there is no opposition candidate posing a serious challenge to President Hichilema.
Political analysts say Zambia currently has no alternative political party or alliance that is strong enough to unseat the UPND in this year’s general elections.
They say the opposition is driven by individuals with self-centered motives, making it difficult for them to collaborate and form a strong political unit. The only presidential candidate who is well positioned to lead the country is President Hakainde Hichilema.
President Hichilema’s government is credited with the massive transformation of the economy, debt restructuring, expanding social services, free education, and passing the Access to Information Act, among other deliverables.
